Food. Fitness. Life.

While I am not an expert, over the years I have leaned a lot about running. When I first started racing, I thought Nike shocks were the best shoes to run in....obvi because they looked cool, and that training was for the birds. Wrong and wrong. I had no clue how important properly equipping your body before racing and running in general was. Above is a little peak into my now loaded running bag (summer edition). Of course, all of these items are not essential, but they work for me....especially when prepping for a race.

1. Shoes. The best advice I can give to a novice runner is to go to a specialty running shoe store (Bob Roncker's or Fleet Feet are my fave) and get fitted for a pair of running shoes. The employees at a speciality store can watch you run....inspect your gate, the way you hit the pavement, your arch etc., and get you a pair of shoes that will work for you. I literally could care less about look...I learned the hard way....it is about fit.

2. Bag. Okay, so this is not essential to running....but I will say I keep this pup in my car, and I am ready to hit the pavement when the moment feels right. That is a running perk...you don't have to sign up for a class, you just do it. This lululemon bag is awesome for organizing. I am all about organization, and being able to find stuff. There are pockets labeled....phone, keys etc. which is kind of fun. The lululemon bags also come with little shoe bags...so you can keep your smelly sneaks away from the rest of the goods.

3. Tervis. I am so partial to my tervis tumbler. I have like 900 water bottles...but this guy takes the cake. I can NOT stand condensation, so sitting my tervis in the car cup holder and not having it sweat all over my car while I am out running is a win. I also love that it has measurements labeled up the side. I use a rehydrate powder after a run....so this is nice for a quick measurement.

4. Running Skirt. I don't care if I look like a soccer mom. Running skirts to me are the JAM....especially for long distance running. I am not a Barbie...and my thighs rub together. Instead of wearing straight up biker shorts...this is a really good solution for me. I also happen to think they are cute :). So there.

5. Socks. Do not run unless you commit to taking care of your feet. One of the best things you can do is get a good pair of water-wicking socks. Cotton socks will tear the bottoms of your feet apart. You WILL get blisters. I like the swiftwick VIBE ZERO socks are my go to. Who knew you could have a favorite brand of sock?

6. Body Glide Stick. Disclaimer....I do NOT have a thigh gap. Therefore the chaffing struggle is real. This stuff is a HUGE help when running long distances. I know girls and guys like using the stick in different areas....so it depends where you rub the most. For me....bra line, inside thighs, biceps (weird) and forehead. If you put a little body glide on your forehead, the sweat will run off away from your eyes and down the side of your face. #gamechanger

7. Magellan Echo Watch. I have tried a ton of different GPS watches. I have a Garmin I use sometimes, but because I run in wooded areas a lot...sometimes the satellite has a hard time picking up....which can get frustrating. This watch syncs with mapmyrun. It is easy to use, and you can change your Ipod music from your wrist. You can also use it to track other aerobic activities...which is nice.

8. Compression Sleeve. These are my post-run heaven. I get shin splints off and on....and they are the WORST. I can't run in the sleeves or socks....because I always feel like my calves are going to explode. Slipping these bad boys on post run helps me function and stay pain-free. You can get them at a running store, or on Amazon.

Who knew someone could shop so much for such a minimalist sport?!? I always find a way!